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cannot help that. I can only do what I know is best for the children and for you." |
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The flat despair beat down her anger. "I will never hate you," Alinor soothed. "I desire only to save you from hurting yourself. There must be some other way. I have thought already" |
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"You have thought for an hour. I have thought for three long months. I did not come to this decision quickly or lightly, Alinor. It will solve all your problems, and suit my needs also. It is time for me to marry. I need an heir for my lands." |
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"But I am no fecund mare," Alinor protested. "In all the many years Simon and I were married, I conceived only four children. Of those, one I did not carry long, and one died." |
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Her plain, unembarrassed earnestness made Ian smile. "Simon was not a young man," he suggested. He shook his head at the indignant rejection he saw rising to her lips. "I did not mean that he was no ardent lover, but it is known that fewer colts are vouchsafed to older stallions, no matter how willing or eager they are. In any case, it will be of less account to me in that Adam will be mine. If I get no brother for him on you, he may have it all with my love and good will." |
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That was too practical and reasonable a solution for Alinor to argue against. "The king's hate is not so lightly put aside. It seems to me it were better to allow him to foist whatever man he wishes upon me. I will settle with any unwelcome husband." |
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"I have no doubt you could," Ian agreed, torn between anxiety and laughter. "But whatever is said of the king, he is no fool. Do you think he would not notice if husband after husband fell off cliffs, or was accidentally drowned while sailing, or shot while hunting?" |
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"I am no fool either," Alinor snapped. "What would that get me except another husband? I assure you that the man chosen for me by the king would not die. I |
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